This was the not the perfect way to close 2014 for Manchester City although it could have been worse. If Burnley had been defeated, the champions would have notched a new club record 10th consecutive win and, as Chelsea dropped two points at Southampton, Manuel Pellegrini’s team would be just the one behind the London club.

Instead, a second-half crumble meant Burnley might have grabbed a famous first victory since 1974 against City so the sky-blues can be happy their unbeaten run remains intact. The fragility at the back that has pocked City all term had been evident in the contest’s opening stanza and within moments of the second commencing it proved costly.